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Southwest Airlines executives say they would be interested in buying assets sold by Delta Air Lines and US Airways if the two carriers merge. Southwest Chairman Herb Kelleher has contacted both carriers to express Southwest's interest. "We consider this [bid for Delta] a serious offer and a very substantial one, and one that we're assuming has a decent chance of actually happening," Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said Monday.

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Although Paradise Caribbean Cruise Lines originally had planned to start its cruises this month, finding an adequate ship has proved to be challenging, thus delaying the cruises. The Orlando-based company is now working to get its business plan and operation up and running by late January.

Several airlines are developing new loyalty programs for travelers who fly several hundred thousand miles each year. Lufthansa, for example, will send a representative to the gate to guide a traveler through the airport. Very frequent fliers care more about personal service than about upgrades or free award tickets, and competition for high-fare travelers is fueling the trend.

Islands such as Curacao generally offer the beach-and-sea type of vacation, but with a little digging, visitors discover there's a lot to learn behind the brightly colored facades. From distilling ancient liqueurs to surviving a night trapped in a museum, an education is only limited to the visitor's imagination.

Demand for travel remains strong despite higher fares. Airlines have raised fares nine times this year to offset higher jet fuel prices. A top airline association expects 25 million people to travel over the Thanksgiving holidays.

Travel warnings and advisories from the State Department are often confusing, controversial and, according to some, a bit premature. "In my experience, it's never as dangerous as they make it seem," says Bob Kalish, owner of a Denver-based tour operator.